Henrion in search of a steering wheel: "I'm trying to expand my possibilities"

How did this Rookie Test in GT3 with Pure Rxcing go?

It was a great experience. I would like to thank the ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest), the WEC and ELMS for this opportunity, as well as the Pure Rxcing team who put me in good conditions to prepare me as well as possible. It was really my first time in GT. I had a lot to learn about how the car works, the ABS, the TC (traction control). I tried to maximize everything I could and I was achieving rather consistent times (personal best lap in 2:05.378) at the end of my 30 laps. I am rather pleasantly surprised. Driving with the champion car (in GT3) allows you to be in the best possible conditions. I loved the sensations in the car.

And the discovery of a new circuit?

It's still an iconic circuit. I remember driving on it often on video games since I was little. Doing it in real life was incredible, it's one of my favorite circuits. It's a track that has all the specificities of fast and slow turns. I always liked it on simulator.

What was the rolling plan?

Three times ten laps. The first session with old tires, the second on new tires and 85 liters in the tank, like in the race, and the last with the same tires. I didn't do any qualifying. The goal was to be able to compare with what they did during the weekend. It didn't put me especially ahead in the standings, but internally we know that my performance was pretty good.

How did the adaptation to the GT3 go?

I thought I would have a harder time adjusting, but I was actually pleasantly surprised. Porsche is easy to handle, it reacts very well. However, it was necessary to adapt to the ABS and the TC which are very different from a prototype. The way of braking, of taking the trajectories, are very different. For the tenths that could be missing, it takes a few more laps.

Did knowing what car you were going to drive before you went to Bahrain allow you to discuss with the team beforehand?

We talked a bit, we had a few calls before and after Portimao (last round of the ELMS). I received the manual, which gave me a little head start. They sent me some on-board cameras, they tried to prepare me as best they could.

Gillian Henrion took a seat in the Pure Rxcing Porsche 911 GT3 – Photo: Frédéric Le Floc'h / DPPI

What are the differences between the GT3 and the LM P3?

I felt a lot less aero, especially in the long fast curves. The biggest difference is really on the ABS: there is less preparation on the brake, less attack on the brake than on a prototype. They are two different philosophies, but very nice to ride.

You shared the car with the Iron Dames, especially Michelle Gatting who knows the Porsche well, did you have the opportunity to talk with them?

Only during the debriefing. I also chatted a bit with the drivers who were driving the two Mantheys this year to get some information. The engineer advised me to brake differently to adapt to the GT3. Célia (Martin) explained to me how she did it to use the brakes best. I also received advice on how to adjust my steering angle.

In terms of traffic management, how did it go?

I wasn't too surprised, it's similar to the ELMS. We weren't in racing conditions either, I might have been overtaken by four Hypercars in four laps. I was a bit worried about that, but I had prepared myself on the simulator at home by setting the traffic option. And then there are worse things than being overtaken by Hypercars... These cars are the stuff of dreams.

Did that make you want to get back into a GT3 quickly?

It doesn't matter what car, as long as I have a steering wheel for next year. I prefer the driving style of a prototype, but the important thing is to keep dreaming. GT is something that could please me. I don't deny myself anything. For now, I don't have anything for next year. I spoke with a few teams when I came back from Bahrain, I'm trying to broaden my possibilities.

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